Self-Love Spelt Out – All You Need This Valentine’s Day

So it’s here again, the day of mass consumerism just in order to express love to our nearest and dearest. But I want to look at the importance of self-love during this festival of expression. Let us all practice some self-absorption and indulgence together, by spelling out why and how we should love ourselves.

[dropcap]S[/dropcap] is for significance. Realise your significance in the world. Often within the fast-paced treadmill nature of life, we forget to stop, pause and realise the impact we are having on the world around us. Especially if you live in a big city, its often hard to realise your significance, with a demanding environment moving and transitioning around you. Remember you matter, your existence is signified and is present in your surroundings, and interactions with friends, family and the confident stranger. So take a moment to think about your impact, and ‘what you bring to the party’, in terms of your individual significance.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap] is for expedition. Throughout life there will be moments of insurmountable meetings, overwrought stress and an unbelievable work load, but remember to have adventures. An expedition is often all it takes, a journey to a place of undiscovered territory or your favourite places are always a good resort, for some much needed happiness and relief. Its the expeditions that will be remembered, so take a moment to plan the next road trip, tube journey, to a place that offers a juxtaposition to the life you live out everyday.

[dropcap]L[/dropcap] is for life, live life. We are the living, the alive, the ones living life in the present so make the most of it. Enough said, we move on.

[dropcap]F[/dropcap] is for the Fine things in life. This could take many forms, a great crusty loaf of bread that has the perfect tear, a moment of unexpected interaction, a bottle of wine that pitches the perfect fruity notes… Evidently, these are dependant on you, its about realising the fine things in life. These are the moments that make up an amazing day, week, or year, perfect for any Valentine’s Weekend.

[dropcap]L[/dropcap] represents luxury. This specifically refers to self-indulgence not in a materialistic essence, but treating yourself in other self-absorbed ways. Luxury is about doing something that stands out from other events in your life, individually taking time to catch up on your favourite TV Boxset or taking a long bubble bath. Embodied within this is the ability to take time to yourself, so go ahead practice some luxury.

[dropcap]O[/dropcap] is for opportunity. It is important to note that opportunity specifically relates to engaging in activities and interactions of the moment. Grab the opportunities around you, denoting the opportunities that offer positive experiences and individual development. This could correspond to an opportunity at work, school, college or an opportunity to explore a new place, new activity.

[dropcap]V[/dropcap] is representing this day of expression, Valentine’s. I specifically wanted to highlight that all these steps of self-love are not just permitted for this day, following them every day will improve personal wellbeing and mindfulness. Loving Ourselves is forever.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap] is for explore, discussing the exploration of oneself. This could take the form of a half an hour yoga session or meditative experience. Self Realisation is a key part of our being on this world and opportunities to appreciate this can be sought after, within these spiritual activities. The practices force you to take time out of your busy day, taking time for yourself and realising amazing things in the process. So on this Valentine’s Day embark on a journey of self-exploration, enhancing personal mindfulness.

Now that we’ve come to the end of our spelling lesson, I encourage you to love yourself this Valentines Day, realise that loving yourself is as or more important than expressing your love of the other. Have a great Valentine’s full of self-praise, adventures and appreciating your worth in the everyday. Enjoy.

Megan Mattravers is currently studying a BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education Degree at the Royal Central School of Speech Drama. She is immensely passionate about the drama industry and the various fragments including playwriting, directing, facilitation and teaching. She is currently contemplating different avenues of work and specialisation for after she graduates as a Drama Practitioner, in her final year. Meg is an enthusiastic yet analytical theatre-goer with a passion for keeping up-to date with current affairs and politics. As an avid explorer, she is very excited to journey and adventure her way through reviewing and writing many variant articles for the blog.